Parenting 101 – ‘Punishment’

When your child needs to be punished, how much is too much?  How much is not enough?  What actually works and reverses the undesirable behavior?  How many kids are getting a free ride because their parents want to be their friend as opposed to their parent?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.  See, as a parent of four kids I always second guess my wife and my decisions.  I think that's healthy and it shows that we care.  I don't believe in spanking but I have strung my kids up by their fingertips and sprayed them with a hose.

Just kidding, I do, on occasion spank my kids.  More often than not though, I take something away.  Usually electronics of some kind, or a fun event that we were planning.  Does it always work?  No.  But it does help the child recognize that what they are being punished for was wrong.  Will it stop the behavior?  Sometimes.

My kids are good kids, generally speaking.  They're also the reason I have less hair than I did 13 years ago.  Even though it's quite a ride every day, there is no job that I'd rather have than being a father to my kids.  What about you?  What is the most effective form of punishment in your household.  Tell me on Facebook.